Abstract
Te reo Maori (the Maori language) is the heritage language of the indigenous people of New Zealand and tikanga is the customs and traditions of Maori people which encompasses protocol correct procedure, custom, habit, lore, method, manner, rule, way, code, meaning, plan, practice and convention (Te Aka Maori dictionary, 2011). The purpose of this paper is to discuss particular internet and mobile technologies pertaining to the enhancement and learning of te reo Maori language and tikanga. Examining these technological platforms as they relate to the education of te reo Maori requires the investigation of how cultural knowledge through te reo Maori and tikanga is shared, represented and developed through specific internet and mobile technologies, in order to enhance the learning of te reo Maori and understanding of tikanga. The paper is constructed into two sections; these consist of background secondary information and primary data collection of Te Whanake Online. Te Whanake is a online website that provides a rich medium of te reo Maori language learning resources. This includes beginners and advanced learning modules authored by Professor John Moorfield, the Te Aka Maori dictionary, podcasts, animations and Te Whanake television. Te Whanake demonstrates how internet and mobile technologies are being utilized to enhance the learning of te reo Maori. These technologies include interactivity, podcasting, video on demand, television broadcast and mobile applications. Ka'ai, Keiha, Moorfield and Spooner (2008) identify that with the convergence of telephony, mobility and access to the world-wide-web, there are increasing challenges and opportunities for Maori educators to deliver learning resources effectively and efficiently. The broadcasting platform through the internet provides Maori the opportunity to record, develop and disseminate te reo Maori language. Of greatest significance has been the opportunity to take the best from the past of te reo Maori, which is regarded by the indigenous people of New Zealand (Maori) as a taonga (treasure) and integrate it into a digital platform that can be accessed globally at anytime. From a Maori worldview perspective, the development of information technology and future technological platforms combined with the principals of kaitiakitanga(guardianship), whanangatanga (relationship, kinship), manaakitanga (hospitality, kindness), are a fundamental basis (Durie, 1997) by which Maori can traverse the rapid growth and convergence of technology in education. The common foundations of trust, shared experiences and locality have proved to be significant in the number of levels of Maori participating in future technology and education platforms. This paper concludes that particular internet and mobile technologies are playing an important role in the enhancement and experience of learning te reo Maori through the integration of te reo Maori onto a digital platform that can be assessed worldwide and on demand.